On Sunday, Oct. 13, The Seattle Sonics & Storm, along with University of Washington Medical Center, and presenting sponsor Tommy Bahama, will host a special Basketball Challenge to benefit breast cancer care and research. The Sonics will be joined by Magic Johnson, Storm Guard Sue Bird and celebrity guests including Will Ferrell, Frankie Muniz, Matt Lillard and Jeff Ament in KeyArena for a full court press against breast cancer.

The Basketball Challenge is being held in honor of Edna Campbell, former Seattle Storm player and current Sacramento Monarchs Guard, who is currently winning the fight against breast cancer. Edna recently played her first game since learning she had the disease, becoming the first woman to play professional basketball as a breast cancer survivor. Players and fans alike will join in the tribute to Edna and the hundreds of thousands of women fighting the disease.

“I have appreciated the fans’ support so much throughout my battle with breast cancer,” said Campbell. “This will be more than just a great event. It’s an amazing opportunity to get the word out about a disease affecting 180,000 women each year in hopes of finding better treatments and ultimately a cure.”

The event will begin with an exciting and unique pre-season intrasquad Seattle SuperSonics game. As the event progresses, special celebrity guests will join the Sonics in wearing special pink uniforms and hooping it up for the cause.

“This will be a fun and exciting way for Seattle fans to start the 2002-2003 basketball season and support a great cause,” said Sonics Coach Nate McMillan. “The team is excited for the opportunity to be involved in the event.”

The Basketball Challenge is free to the public. Donations will be strongly encouraged at the event. All proceeds from the Basketball Challenge will directly benefit breast cancer care and research at University of Washington Medical Center.

“This exciting event supports our institution’s substantial efforts to understand and impact breast cancer,” said Julie Gralow, M.D., associate professor of medical oncology specializing in breast cancer at the University of Washington. “Proceeds from the event will be used to fund research, education and services that will allow tremendous advances in breast cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship. The result is that women everywhere will benefit from the generosity of our players, sponsors and supporters.”

UWMC Breast Care and Cancer Research Center is comprised of world-renowned physicians and researchers who integrate scientific advances in cancer biology into leading edge clinical care in the prevention, detection, and treatment of breast cancer.

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